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Nice start button?
David Jenkins - 5/3/09 at 08:49 PM

I'm planning to re-wire my ignition switch in the very near future. At the moment, if the engine doesn't start I have to turn the ignition off and on again. This is fine, but it means that I have to re-activate the immobiliser (home brew thing, so it's entirely my fault!). A separate button would fix that problem.

So, I'm looking for a smart button, preferably with 'START' on the front. It'll need to carry the current for a crossflow solenoid. Any ideas?

I've seen those Honda ones, but they go for stupid money on ebay so I'm looking for an alternative!

McLannahan - 5/3/09 at 08:52 PM

Savage?




or the larger one?




[Edited on 5/3/09 by McLannahan]

maskedavenger - 5/3/09 at 08:54 PM

car builders solutions do them for about a 10ner

mr henderson - 5/3/09 at 09:11 PM

The Savage ones look pretty good, but I would be happier using a relay in the circuit. Easy enough to do, and pretty cheap too.

John

nitram38 - 5/3/09 at 09:18 PM

Savage good for switching 10A so as long as your solenoid trigger is less (which it most likely is) it will not need a relay.

BenB - 5/3/09 at 10:06 PM

I use a Maplins anti-vandal one for about a fiver. Works fine....

David Jenkins - 5/3/09 at 10:16 PM

quote:
Originally posted by maskedavenger
car builders solutions do them for about a 10ner


Actually, that does look ideal... illuminated, too! £7.50 + P&P + VAT.

contaminated - 5/3/09 at 10:25 PM

quote:
Originally posted by David Jenkins
quote:
Originally posted by maskedavenger
car builders solutions do them for about a 10ner


Actually, that does look ideal... illuminated, too! £7.50 + P&P + VAT.



I use the above CBS one. For the money the quality is really good. I wired the internal light up as an ignition light - so it comes on when it needs pressing and goes out when the car has started.

Hellfire - 5/3/09 at 10:25 PM

Another alternative. Very good quality.

Phil

jlparsons - 5/3/09 at 10:33 PM

i like the car builder solutions one. It would take just a little electric mayhem like this:

to make it pulse like a jag XF start switch too. I was thinking pulsing before engine start and permanently on when engine running? Yes, a bit theatrical, but cool as hell.

paulf - 5/3/09 at 10:35 PM

That looks like a telemechanique industrial switch with engine start printed on the button.We use lots of them at work but I hadnt thought of that use for one.
Paul

quote:
Originally posted by David Jenkins
quote:
Originally posted by maskedavenger
car builders solutions do them for about a 10ner


Actually, that does look ideal... illuminated, too! £7.50 + P&P + VAT.

BenB - 5/3/09 at 11:08 PM

I believe the CBS switches are the same as the Maplin anti-vandal ones just marked up 100%

a4gom - 6/3/09 at 12:02 AM

quote:
Originally posted by BenB
I believe the CBS switches are the same as the Maplin anti-vandal ones just marked up 100%

do you have a maplin linky or part no?

scudderfish - 6/3/09 at 07:18 AM

Click for Maplins switches

mad4x4 - 6/3/09 at 07:54 AM

We used the Maplin type ones.

RS used to do them with a light in the back to make em light up

David Jenkins - 6/3/09 at 12:34 PM

The Maplin ones look nice - but I fancy having "start" on the button!

Just placed an order for the CBS one.

jabbahutt - 13/10/09 at 09:38 AM

Quick question on the switch pictured from CBS. How are the wires attached to the switch?

Cheers
Nigel

David Jenkins - 13/10/09 at 11:12 AM

Good question!

I've forgotten, so I'll have a look tonight (still haven't fitted it, 'cos it'll only work on a thin panel, and my dash is too thick.)

Ninehigh - 13/10/09 at 09:09 PM

Do they have one marked "Blast off"?

David Jenkins - 13/10/09 at 09:35 PM

Update on the connectors - it has 4 reasonably chunky screw terminals, 2 for the switch itself, plus 2 for the LED backlight. The backlight is very voltage-tolerant, and can be wired directly to a car's +ve supply (either way around).

As I said earlier - there is a limit on the panel thickness, which I'd guess to be around 4 or 5mm.

neilj37 - 14/10/09 at 05:44 AM

I bought mine off ebay, comes complete with wiring and relay. Was easy to wire in and works a treat.

STARTER BUTTON

ken555 - 14/10/09 at 11:15 AM

How do they manage to integrate the on/off and start option into one button ?

At the moment I have a on/off toggle switch and a push start, but would love just have the one button.

wilkingj - 14/10/09 at 01:20 PM

quote:
Originally posted by ken555
How do they manage to integrate the on/off and start option into one button ?

At the moment I have a on/off toggle switch and a push start, but would love just have the one button.

How will you turn your ignition on and off... ie stop the car with only a start button?
You need to be able to turn the ignition (fuel pump, fire up the Tacho / instruments etc) separately to being able to turn over the engine. Do you always want to start the engine, when using your single button idea? How will you cope with just wanting the ignition on and the engine not running, say for faulting the electics, or just checking the fuel level or other mundane tasks?
Its two operations, and IMHO requires two separate switching functions.

I suppose you could do it with some clever electronics to toggle the ignition when pressing the start button. However this would lead to some interesting moments, when the cars does not start (for some other reason), and you repeately press the button, thus toggling the ignition on and off every time when you just want to turn the engine over and start it. It would need some careful thinking about.
An Ignition switch, and a Start Engine button is FAR simpler, and going to be more reliable.
Dont make it any more complicated than it needs to be. There is a HUGE amount to be said for the KISS principle (Keep It Simple Stupid)



IMHO a column mounted Key for the ignition, and steering lock. Then a press button for the starter circuit. Very simple to do, and retains some security.

Further to that, I would connect A VERY BIG Red "Start" button to the Instant Alarm connection on my car, and use an unmarked or a buttom marked "Oil Level" of some other marking that you wouldnt normally press as the real start button.
Just my 2d's worth.

scudderfish - 14/10/09 at 02:15 PM

quote:
Originally posted by wilkingj
Further to that, I would connect A VERY BIG Red "Start" button to the Instant Alarm connection on my car


Isn't the noise of your engine firing up alarm enough?

02GF74 - 14/10/09 at 04:21 PM

quote:
Originally posted by scudderfish
quote:
Originally posted by wilkingj
Further to that, I would connect A VERY BIG Red "Start" button to the Instant Alarm connection on my car


Isn't the noise of your engine firing up alarm enough?


I think the intention was to warn that someone is attempting to start the car as opposed to knowing that they succeded and are about to drive away..... but I guess you knew that ...

Hellfire - 14/10/09 at 05:27 PM

quote:
Originally posted by Ninehigh
Do they have one marked "Blast off"?


Or maybe "Cast off" for the CEC's.

Phil

Ninehigh - 14/10/09 at 07:06 PM

quote:
Originally posted by Hellfire
quote:
Originally posted by Ninehigh
Do they have one marked "Blast off"?


Or maybe "Cast off" for the CEC's.

Phil


Or would that be the Pintos?

iank - 14/10/09 at 07:12 PM

quote:
Originally posted by Hellfire
quote:
Originally posted by Ninehigh
Do they have one marked "Blast off"?


Or maybe "Cast off" for the CEC's.

Phil


"Blow dry" for the BEC's

Gazeddy - 15/10/09 at 08:48 AM

a start stop button would be relatively easy with a couple of chips and 2/3 relays. basically set the flip flops up to turn all circuits on on the first push then switch them all off on the second. then put a timer in that will cranks when held in for half a sec or longer and cut when released

ss1turbo - 25/10/09 at 07:10 AM

quote:
Originally posted by neilj37
I bought mine off ebay, comes complete with wiring and relay. Was easy to wire in and works a treat.

STARTER BUTTON


Pretty good price - but i don't like the "no cutting involved" implication - they use Scotchlocks! Those things should be outlawed...